Demasoni Cichlid

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Easy   • Temperament: Semi-Aggressive   • Maximum Size: 5"
• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons   • Water Conditions: 76-82° F, KH 10-15, pH 7.8-8.6
• Diet: Herbivore   • Origin: Lake Malawi   • Family: Cichlidae
• Species: African Cichlid   • Aquarium Type: African Cichlid, Rift Lake

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The Demasoni Cichlid is a relatively new addition to the aquarium hobby, as it was introduced into the hobby trade around the mid 1990's. Its bright coloration, sharp lines of color contrast and relatively peaceful demenior made it a very popular species almost overnight. Demasoni Cichlids are a dwarf species that typically grow to around 5", which makes them suitable for smaller African Cichlid aquariums of 55 gallons or more.

In its natural habitat, the Demasoni Cichlid is found in large schools that swim near and amongst rocky areas that provide them protection from larger species and plenty of plants and algae on which to graze. In the home aquarium, the Demasoni Cichlid is an ideal specimen that will aggressively swim about rock formations in their unique quick elusive manner that makes them a joy to watch.

While this species can be kept in smaller tanks ranging from 3 feet in length or 50 + gallons, ideally they should be kept in slightly larger aquariums where they can be kept in small groups of 5 or more specimens. Demasoni Cichlids should be kept in an aquarium with plenty of rock work in order to provide them many caves and crevices to explore.

Plenty of rocks are very important in providing this species with a natural environment within the aquarium in which they can live peacefully with their tank mates and thrive. An abundance of caves, rock niches and rocky ledges will give this species enough territory to satisfy its curious nature and allow it to coexist with other similarly sized species that are not as dominant. It will also allow females and sub-dominant males of its own species a place to retreat to if bothered by the more dominant species.

Demasoni Cichlids are true herbivores and should be offered a variety of vegetable based foods including: a high quality vegetable based cichlid pellet and foods high in spirulina and other algae.